My Gluten-Free Vegan Pitaya Dragon Fruit Chia Pudding is an easy and healthy plant-based recipe made with only 5 clean, real food ingredients and can be prepared in about 5 minutes! It's a simple and delicious breakfast or snack that's perfect for meal prepping!
Real Vegan Method™ Recipe
This recipe is part of the Real Vegan Method™...a simple step-by-step way to move beyond processed vegan foods and become a confident Real Food Vegan.
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Recipe!
My top 3 favorite reasons:
- It Can Be Prepared in About 5 Minutes: simply add the ingredients to a mason jar then stir and shake; place it in the refrigerator overnight and it's a perfect meal prep breakfast for the next day!
- 100% Gluten-Free + Vegan: my plant-based chia pudding is naturally gluten-free and does not contain any dairy!
- Made With Clean, Real Food Ingredients: only 5 healthy, one-ingredient real foods and without faux vegan products such as vegan "yogurt" or boxed vegan "milk"!
Karielyn
Jump to RecipeIf a quick + easy breakfast is what you're looking for, then this recipe is for you!
It's perfect to make the night before to have ready in the morning for a healthy and nutrient-dense breakfast. It only takes about 5 minutes to prepare and then needs just a little time for the chia pudding to firm.
I love creating chia pudding recipes and some of my other favorite recipes are my Vegan Black Forest Chia Seed Pudding, Vanilla Bean and Blueberry Chia Pudding, or my Raspberry and Banana Chia Pudding.
Chia seeds are high in fiber which supports digestion and they contain plant-based omega-3's which are good for brain and heart health.
I'm also a huge fan of pitaya (aka dragon fruit) because not only is this sweet superfruit beautiful, but it is rich in antioxidants and a critical ingredient in healing the liver.
According to the book "Medical Medium®: Liver Rescue", pitaya helps your liver to produce cells to regenerate itself and slows down liver aging.
Once I learned this, I started incorporating pitaya into my daily meals, and it now makes a regular appearance in either a smoothie, smoothie bowl, or in chia pudding almost every morning!
You can feel good about making my healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Pitaya Dragon Fruit Chia Seed Pudding because it's plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, tofu-free, no-cook, no refined sugar, and Medical Medium® Compliant.
"Feel good about what you eat..."
- Karielyn Tillman
Ingredients
Here are the clean, real food ingredients I used to make this healthy chia pudding recipe. Try to use organic if possible.
Key Ingredients
Here's the ingredients for the different layers for this vegan chia seed pudding:
Chia Pudding Base:
- Homemade Almond Milk
- Chia Seeds
- Vanilla Extract
Pitaya Layer:
- Pitaya (fresh, frozen or powder)
- Banana
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh Fruit (kiwi, berries, mango)
- Coconut Flakes
- Hemp Seeds
- Granola
That's it! My Dragon Fruit Chia Pudding is super easy to make!
Why This Recipe is Healthy
Here are "5 Fast Facts" of the primary ingredients in this recipe so:
- You know what is in the food you are eating
- You know that the ingredients are nutrient-dense and are nourishing your body
- You will feel good about what you eat
Almonds (Almond Milk)
- helps to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure
- energy booster
- ¼ cup contains 8 grams of vegan protein
- loaded with calcium and fiber
- high in antioxidants
Chia Seeds
- excellent source of healthy omega fatty acids
- contains 700% more calcium than salmon
- contains more antioxidants than flaxseeds or blueberries
- contains 500% more calcium than milk
- contains 20% easily digestible vegan protein
Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
- high in antioxidants
- 3 grams fiber in one frozen smoothie pack
- 10% DV magnesium in one smoothie pack
- aids in liver regeneration
- helps slow liver aging
Vanilla Bean Powder
- anti-microbial
- high in antioxidants
- can help reduce inflammation
- contains small traces of minerals
- 1 tablespoon contains 2 g of fiber
Bananas
- high levels of tryptophan to help combat depression
- aids in weight loss
- strengthens the immune system
- high in fiber and potassium
- helps to lower blood pressure
How To Make This Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making dairy-free chia seed pudding is super easy!
There are two different ways to make chia seed pudding, and I use both methods, depending on how much time I have.
Method 1 - Using a Mason Jar:
- Add the ingredients for the chia pudding to a 64-ounce glass mason jar that has a lid.
- Close the lid tightly and vigorously shake the chia seed pudding until everything is well distributed or use a small whisk to combine everything together.
- Place the glass mason jar in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to firm. Try to stir it every 30 minutes or so to keep the chia seeds from settling on the bottom.
- Stir the mixture before serving to make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Method 2 - Using a Vitamix:
- Add the ingredients for the chia pudding to a Vitamix.
- Pulse the mixture 8-10 times to combine everything well but taking care to not over process.
- Wait 1-2 minutes then pulse again 8-10 times.
- Repeat steps 2 + 3 again a couple of times until the mixture thickens.
- Serve immediately or place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to continue firming.
- Stir the mixture before serving to make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Below, I'll show you how to make it with Method 1 with a mason jar:
Step 1: Make the Chia Pudding Base
Add the non-dairy milk and chia seeds to a 64-ounce Mason jar.
Step 2: Stir or Shake the Ingredients
Use a small whisk to stir the milk and chia seeds together or place the lid on the Mason jar and shake vigorously until well combined. Place the Mason jar in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to firm, stirring every 30 minutes or so.
Step 3: Prepare the Pitaya Layer
You can either prepare the dragon fruit mixture while the chia pudding is firming or when you're ready to serve it. Either way, use a fork and mash the banana until it has a smooth paste-type texture and add the pitaya powder.
Step 4: Stir the Pitaya Layer
Stir the mashed banana and pitaya powder together until well combined. If you make it while the chia pudding is firming, cover the dragon fruit mixture and place in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve with the chia pudding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! "Pitaya" and "Dragon Fruit" are the same thing.
This fruit originates from Central/South America and there are two different varieties, white and the vibrant fuchsia pink color that I used in this recipe.
You can buy either fresh or frozen pitaya or dragon fruit.
I like to buy frozen pitaya or dragon fruit smoothie packets from Whole Foods and have even found frozen pitaya or dragon fruit cubes at Target.
It's easy to keep a couple of packs in the freezer for a smoothie, smoothie bowls or chia pudding to use year-round when the fruit is not in season.
If you can't locate fresh or frozen, you can also buy organic pitaya powder.
In my opinion, yes!
Most S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) pudding or fruit yogurt recipes contain dairy, processed ingredients, and refined sugar. For example, let's look at the ingredient list for a popular store-bought fruit yogurt:
S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) Dannon "Fruit on the Bottom" Strawberry Yogurt Ingredients
Ingredients: Cultured Grade A Low-Fat Milk, Strawberries, Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Contains 1% of Pectin, Modified Corn Starch, Natural Flavors, Kosher Gelatin, Purple Carrot Juice Concentrate, Carmine and Turmeric (for color), Malic Acid, Calcium Phosphate. Contains active yogurt cultures including L. Acidophilus.
My Gluten-Free Vegan Pitaya Dragon Fruit Chia Pudding is made with only 5 clean, real food ingredients and is also raw, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, paleo-friendly, contains no refined sugar, and Medical Medium® Compliant.
You could, but.....
Soymilk is a highly processed "food" with soy being one of the top GMO crops. Unless it's labeled "organic" or "Non-GMO Project Verified" it contains genetically modified soybeans and probably contains synthetic pesticides.
Here is the ingredient list for a popular soymilk product:
Silk Original Soymilk Ingredients: Soymilk (Water, Soybeans), Cane Sugar, Vitamin and Mineral Blend (Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin B12, Potassium Iodide), Sea Salt, Gellan Gum, Sodium Ascorbate (To Preserve Freshness), Natural Flavors.
A better option, and one that is super easy, is to make your own homemade milk and there a several different ways to do it and they all only take a few minutes.
For example, I make homemade almond milk with one of these two options:
1. Organic Raw Almonds + Filtered/Purified Water - With this method, I soak the almonds, add them to a Vitamix (or high-speed blender), blend, then strain the almond milk from the almond pulp. One ingredient, organic, and no synthetic vitamins and minerals, stabilizers, preservatives, or natural flavors. Just almonds and water.
This option takes a little preparation because you need to soak the almonds and you would need a nut milk bag to strain the milk, but you will have organic, real food non-dairy milk ready to enjoy!
Ingredients: Organic Raw Unpasteurized Almonds, Filtered/Purified Water
2. Organic Almonds + Filtered/Purified Water - With this method, I add a couple of tablespoons of Organic Joi Almond Milk Base with filtered/purified water to a Vitamix (or high-speed blender), and blend. One ingredient, organic, no synthetic vitamins and minerals, stabilizers, preservatives, or natural flavors. Just almonds and water.
This option is the one I use when I'm in a hurry or am out of non-dairy milk. You can literally make this in about one minute and the almond milk base is shelf stable for up to 18 months so you can always have non-dairy milk ready at a moment's notice.
Ingredients: Joi Organic Almond Milk Base, Filtered/Purified Water
If you've never tried making homemade almond milk, you should give it a try since it's a real food ingredient!
Not to worry! If you don't have or can't find pitaya, you can use other fruits such as pineapple, strawberry, blueberries, or mango puree.
You can make this recipe nut-free by substituting the almond milk with a nut-free milk such as hemp milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
You can refrigerate it at least 2 hours but overnight is best and will give you the best texture.
Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.
try this reader favorite !
Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding
My Vegan Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding is another healthy + delicious recipe made with clean, real food ingredients!
Karielyn's Expert Tips
Expert Tips
- Use full-fat coconut milk for extra creaminess
- Stir the chia seeds twice in the first 10 minutes to prevent clumping
- Use white chia seeds instead of black for a prettier color contrast
- Add a few drops of lime juice to the pitaya layer to brighten the flavor
- Chill overnight for the best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
- Homemade Almond Milk: Feel free to use your favorite non-dairy milk in this recipe. For example, organic oat milk, organic coconut milk or organic cashew milk would all work well.
- Vanilla Extract: You can also use non-alcohol vanilla extract or even organic vanilla bean powder in the same amount. Keep in mind if you use vanilla bean powder, the chia pudding will be a little darker in color but will taste the same. If you need the recipe to be 100% Medical Medium® compliant, use non-alcohol vanilla extract or vanilla bean powder instead of regular vanilla extract.
- Banana: I used the banana as the sweetener to the dragon fruit layer, but you could omit it and add a ½-1 tablespoon of maple syrup or omit the banana if you don't want the chia pudding too sweet.
- Pitaya (Dragon Fruit): You can use either a frozen pitaya smoothie pack or organic pitaya powder.
Struggling To Eat Vegan Without Relying on Processed Ingredients?
If you rely on packaged vegan food and ingredients or feel overwhelmed trying to eat healthier, this recipe shows how easy real food vegan meals can be...without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
The Method Behind All My Recipes
If you love clean, real food vegan recipes like this one, you'll love the method behind them.
The Real Vegan Method™ 14-Day Reset helps you:
- Move beyond processed vegan substitutes
- Cook with clean, real food ingredients
- Make plant-based eating simple + consistent
All my recipes - including this one- are based on the Real Vegan Method™.
Gluten-Free Vegan Pitaya Dragon Fruit Chia Pudding
Equipment
- Vitamix or high-speed blender
Ingredients
For the chia pudding:
- 2 cups homemade almond milk
- ½ cup organic chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
For the dragon fruit layer:
- 1 tablespoon organic pitaya (dragon fruit) powder (or 1 frozen organic pitaya (dragon fruit) smoothie pack
- 1 organic banana
Instructions
Prepare the chia pudding:
- Add all ingredients for the chia pudding to a 64-ounce Mason jar (or jar with lid) and stir with a small whisk or add the lid and vigorously shake until all ingredients are well distributed.
- Put the lid on the jar and place it in the refrigerator for approximately 1-2 hours or until the chia pudding is firm to your preference (overnight is best).
Prepare the dragon fruit layer (using pitaya powder)
- Add a banana to a small mixing bowl and mash it with a fork until it has a smooth paste-type texture.
- Add the pitaya powder and stir until well combined. Cover and place in the refrigerator while the chia pudding is firming.
Prepare the dragon fruit layer (using frozen pitaya):
- After the chia pudding has firmed and right before serving, add all the ingredients for the dragon fruit layer to a Vitamix, or high-speed blender, and blend until well combined and smooth.
Assembly:
- Remove the chia pudding from the refrigerator and stir to make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Option 1: Layer the chia pudding with the dragon fruit mixture by evenly dividing it between your serving dishes.
- Option 2: Add the dragon fruit layer to the jar of chia pudding and stir it together.
- Optional: Garnish with organic unsweetened shredded coconut.
- Store in an air-tight BPA-free container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
Copyright Notice
The instructions, notes, and photographs for this recipe by Karielyn Tillman of The Healthy Family and Home™ website are copyrighted material. This copyrighted work is protected and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 International License and the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) and cannot be legally used without my written permission.
More Healthy Vegan Chia Seed Pudding Recipes
- Vanilla Bean and Mango Chia Seed Pudding
- Black Forest Chia Seed Pudding
- Apple Pie Chia Seed Pudding
- or my Real Vegan Method™ 14-Day Reset with 42 plant-based vegan + gluten-free recipes made with clean, real food ingredients just like this one that you will love!
Aleksandra Žarak says
Dear Karielyn, I did not make this recipe yet, but prompted by your Celery juice protocol I downloaded the book Liver rescue on my Kindle. I am still in the process of reading it, but I made my first dose of celery juice for tomorrow. Thanks for a great recommendation. I am practically devouring the book. Otherwise, I have been following your blog for ages and made quite a few recipes, all delicious. So, I am looking forward to your new discoveries.
Karielyn says
Hi there Aleksandra! I am SO excited that you got the Medical Medium: Liver Rescue book!! There is so much information in the book to take in, I am reading through it again for a second time.
My focus going forward will be recipes made with the Medical Medium healing foods - so be on the lookout for more to help you along on your health journey.
I sincerely appreciate your support and am glad you are part of the THFH community 🙂